General News
NIGERIAN women workers have advocated robust legal framework to protect them from persistence abuse, exploitation, workplace discrimination and harassment accross sector.
They made the call on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 114th Session of the International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Mrs Mary-Anne Mbanaso, the National Chairperson of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) Women Commission, spoke on behalf of the women at the convention
Mbanaso, who is also the National Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) Women Commission, underscored the need for enhanced safeguards for Nigerian women workers
She said, despite progress made in advancing gender equality, many women across sectors, continued to face various forms of exploitation and discrimination, particularly domestic workers and those in the informal economy,
According to her, the conference presents an opportunity for governments, employers and workers’ organisations to adopt policies and conventions that would safeguard the rights and dignity of women.
“We know that our country, Nigeria, still has a lot of disparities and gaps, especially when it comes to women and gender issues.
“I am here with high expectations, believing that laws, conventions and policies will be adopted to protect women, especially in workplaces and domestic employment.
“A lot of women have been used and abused in labour matters, child labour, domestic work and even in the informal sector.
There are many abuses where women are treated as though they have no value,” she said.
Mbanaso expressed optimism that outcomes of the conference would help strengthen protections against workplace abuse and harassment while promoting women’s participation in decision-making processes.
“I believe that before we leave here, these issues will be addressed and that we, as Nigerians, will ensure their enforcement and implementation back home.
“Our women must have their place, have their say and be represented where decisions affecting them are taken,” she said.
The labour leader also stressed the importance of collaboration among trade unions and international organisations in advancing women’s rights and gender justice.
According to her, partnerships with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) will help amplify the voices of women workers globally.
“Before arriving here, we had already extended a hand of fellowship and collaboration with the ITUC and the ILO.
“With these partnerships, we are going to form a strong force to give women the voice they deserve and demand,” she said.
Mbanaso disclosed that PENGASSAN Women Commission had also established collaboration with labour women groups in Ghana and would host a webinar within the next month to advance discussions on gender-related workplace issues.
She said the commission had continued to advocate for women subjected to harassment and abuse while promoting awareness of workers’ rights.
“We have carried out awareness campaigns to educate women on their rights and encourage them to speak up whenever such issues arise.
“We have also engaged security agencies to ensure enforcement against those who violate these rights so that offenders are not allowed to act with impunity,” she said.
Speaking on the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on jobs, Mbanaso said women workers were embracing technological advancement through capacity-building and skills development programmes.
According to her, AI has become a permanent feature of the modern workplace and workers must continue to improve their skills to remain relevant.
“AI is everywhere and it has come to stay. Everybody is upskilling and building capacities.
“For PENGASSAN Women Commission, our leadership has invested heavily in training and capacity development to ensure that women are equipped with the tools needed to face future challenges.
“We are ready for AI and we are not afraid because AI remains a machine that depends on human intelligence to function efficiently,” she said.
(NAN)
W.U
June 9, 2026
Tags: International Labour Organisation International Trade Union Confederation Mrs Mary-Anne Mbanaso Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria rade Union Congress